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Lake Shasta is the biggest man-made body of water in California. This two-story reservoir is home to healthy populations of both warm-water and cold-water game fish. Find a variety of fish species including bass, salmon, carp and trout as you explore the lake's vast expanse of fishing grounds.

Geography

Lake Shasta consists of four major arms: the Sacramento River, Pit River, Squaw Creek and McCloud River. The lake has 370 miles of shoreline and spans more than 30,000 acres. Anglers can fish its maximum depths that reach up to 500 feet.

Types of Fish

Enjoy casting for a variety of fish species in the lake including trout, bass, landlocked king salmon, panfish, carp and catfish. Each year, the California Department of Fish and Game stocks more than 30,000 lbs. of rainbow trout into Lake Shasta, according to fisheries biologist Larry Hanson. The lake is also home to self-sustaining brown trout that spawn mostly in the McCloud River.

Tips and Techniques

Cast in shallow waters where the threadfin shad tend to linger, especially right before the temperature starts to drop. During full-blown winter, the vicinity of Jones Valley is a productive spot due to its gradual slope that allows more shallow waters where you can find trout congregating and feeding on shad. These areas typically have a depth of no more than 15 feet. Fishing in the McCloud River Arm is especially bountiful for catches of brown trout, rainbow trout and salmon. For more rainbow trout fishing, the Shasta Dam stocks healthy populations.

Baits and Lures

Use a variety of plugs and spoons when fishing in Lake Shasta and always try to mimic the size of the bait fish the trout are presently feeding on. Lures designed to mimic shad and minnows prove effective. Other patterns and colors to try include fluorescent pink or orange as well as blue, green and red, according to California Game and Fish.

Access

Many access points appear throughout Lake Shasta. For shoreline fishing, access the Jones Valley and Silverthorn areas from Bear Mountain Road. The Shasta Dam area also provides easy access to the shoreline. Follow the trails along the shoreline from the Bailey Cove public ramps and Packers Bay to reach several coves and points for fishing spots.

References

About the Author

Rona Aquino began writing professionally in 2008. As an avid marathon runner and outdoor enthusiast, she writes on topics of running, fitness and outdoor recreation for various publications. Aquino holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and English from the University of Maryland College Park.